spring 1 of 2

noun

Definition of springnext
1
as in leap
an act of leaping into the air the deer gave a sudden spring and disappeared into the woods

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided the springs of this time-honored tradition run too deep to allow for easy explanation

Synonyms & Similar Words

spring

2 of 2

verb

ˈspriŋ How to pronounce spring (audio)
1
as in to start
to come into existence when it comes to love and romance, hope springs eternally

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to leap
to propel oneself upward or forward into the air the cat sprang and pounced on the mouse

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) had to spend a night in jail until their lawyer could come to spring them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb spring differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spring are arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of spring?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When is it sensible to use derive instead of spring?

In some situations, the words derive and spring are roughly equivalent. However, derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

Where would emanate be a reasonable alternative to spring?

While in some cases nearly identical to spring, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When might issue be a better fit than spring?

Although the words issue and spring have much in common, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for spring?

The meanings of originate and spring largely overlap; however, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

When could proceed be used to replace spring?

The synonyms proceed and spring are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

In what contexts can stem take the place of spring?

While the synonyms stem and spring are close in meaning, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spring
Noun
The proposal, which includes a condition that only one player per NFL team can participate, needs to receive 24 yes votes from the 32 teams during the spring ownership meetings in Minneapolis. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 May 2025 Chalamet wore a Tom Ford tuxedo and Jenner styled a vintage silver chainmail gown from Atelier Versace’s spring 1999 collection. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 May 2025
Verb
Frankenstein’s monster and bride sprang to life in Darkmoor Village, the section of the park dedicated to Universal’s classic monsters. —Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025 Spring, summer, fall, winter – and then spring again. —Linda McNamar, Oc Register, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spring
  1. leap
  2. source
  3. start
  4. jump
  5. release
  6. hop
  7. cradle
  8. begin
Noun
  • More than a decade ago, two young L’Oréal executives decided to leave their corporate positions and take the ultimate leap of faith by starting their own brand.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
  • Consumer only just got used to the $70 increase from $60 a few years ago, and now this leap to $80, spearheaded by Nintendo and its Mario Kart World pricing, is irritating and exhausting when 4-5 games will now be the cost of an entire console by themselves.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of leap
Noun
  • Charlie Davis Season: 46 Placed: 2nd If Q was the hurricane blowing through Survivor 46, Davis was a source of calm geniality at the center, constantly quoting Taylor Swift songs while obscuring his careful, clever gameplay.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Time, 29 May 2025
  • In addition, with Serge Gnabry a year away from being a free agent, Leroy Sane’s contract renewal increasingly tenuous, and Kingsley Coman another likely departure, the wide forwards positions — which have so often been a source of such power — need regenerating.
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Definition of source
Verb
  • Our trips allow guests to enjoy the perks of private yacht charters, luxury hotels, bespoke itineraries and high-touch service, all while sharing the cost with like-minded travelers who may start as strangers but quickly feel like longtime friends.
    — Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • Then, about 30 minutes after launch, Ship started to tumble, which was the result of a leak in Ship's fuel-tank systems, according to Huot.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of start
Verb
  • The Knicks’ starters were outscored by 29 points over the first two games, and Indiana jumped out to a first-quarter lead both nights.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • Set three saw a complete turnaround as the Crusaders jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, notching four aces in the set.
    — Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Definition of jump
Verb
  • The Devil Wears Prada 2, a sequel to the 2006 film that starred Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, is now set to release May 1.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 23 May 2025
  • However, he was granted his request at the Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, May 21, according to the BBC, and was released on a $6.7 million bail.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of release
Noun
  • This film, set in 1956, hops between the Palazzo Korda, its protagonist’s cavernous mansion, and different quarters of Modern Greater Independent Phoenicia, a vague Middle Eastern nation that’s depicted as an array of deserts, warring factions, and colonial outposts.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 May 2025
  • Wear them on walking tours, museum trips, bar hops, and more.
    — Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2025
Definition of hop
Noun
  • Bonus: There are cradles for your dumbbells, along with a tablet holder.
    — Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 May 2025
  • Spanning 17 autonomous regions and two small enclaves in North Africa, the country is a cradle of diverse cultures, geography, traditions, even languages.
    — Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
Definition of cradle
Verb
  • As the family begins bickering, Alice/Nicola excuses herself from the table.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • Keeping him healthy remains a priority, but as multiple players begin to show the benefits of consistent playing time, Herrera stands out as a prime example.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
Definition of begin

Phrases Containing spring

Browse Nearby Words

sprigs
spring
spring (for)
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Cite this Entry

“Spring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spring. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spring

Nglish: Translation of spring for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spring

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